MI Students Donate $450 to Animal Charities

Mason Intermediate students in Emily Kirk and Christine Work's classrooms recently hosted an "AniMALL" to raise money for animal welfare, including the Cincinnati Zoo's Adopt an Animal Program.

Students raised over $400, while teachers added an additional $50 to the pot, for various animal charities, including $150 to the Zoo's Adopt an Animal Program. The rest of the remaining funds were split evenly between the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International and the Warren County Humane Society.

"Over the past few weeks, students have been reading and writing about animals, specifically the rights of animals. Meanwhile in social studies, they are learning about entrepreneurs and how to start a business and make a profit​," explained Work.

The fourth graders came up with a plan to combine the two units by starting a business, earning money selling a good or service, and then donating the money to the Zoo's program. The event, which was named AniMALL, took place Tuesday, May 8 from 1-2pm in the 45 KIVA. Students and parents shopped at AniMALL for goods and services created by the students.​

On May 9, the Zoo brought the Zoo to You program to these two classrooms. Students did writing and drawing pieces about the animals that were brought in through the program. At the end of the activity, students presented a check for $150 raised through the AniMALL.

"After much discussion, students voted to donate $150 to the Cincinnati Zoo where zoologist Hannah Dumais accepted a check on its behalf! They will 'adopt' 5 different animals with that money​," added Work.​ "She educated us ​on two different animals - the spotted turtle and the tawny frogmout​h, a bird.​"​

This project was created and taught by Miami University student teacher Hannah Ralston. Without her vision, none of this ​would have been possible.

"We are so excited for students to see how the work done within the walls of our classroom extend further than they can imagine!" added Work. "Our hope is that other children will see the generosity and selflessness, and think of ways they, too, can impact the global community."